United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has warned against “unregulated digitalisation” in job creation, saying it is a driver of inequalities.
Mohammed said this in a video message to a special meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that opened in Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday.
The two-day special meeting, which focused on the rapid transformation of the world of work, is being held at the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), based in the Chilean capital.
“When properly harnessed, digital tools can accelerate job creation and help expand social protection, as seen in many countries during COVID-19 – a time when we also realised the value of cultivating caring societies,” she said.
According to her, making the future of work one of opportunity is not automatic.
She warned that “the needle will not move in the direction of our ambitions” unless countries keep the promise to leave no one behind. This means acting on the stubbornly high rates of youth unemployment; on the persistent gender disparities in wages, labour market participation and access to social protection,” she said.
In her opening remarks, ECOSOC President Paula Narváez stressed how decent work, job creation, social protection, workers’ rights and social dialogue are crucial for sustainable development.
Although factors such as emerging technologies, globalisation and demographic trends offer exciting opportunities for enhanced productivity and innovation, they also present challenges – both for workers and policymakers.
She appealed for increased investment to create more decent jobs.
“Greater cooperation, additional international financing, and technical assistance can complement national resources to expand decent work and access to social protection.
“A coordinated effort is needed to counter informality and create policies that require living wages, secure contracts and good working conditions,” she said.
